Québec Celebrates European Excellence: Roero & Salumi

RASPIPAV, one of the province’s most beloved wine fairs, attracts thousands of consumers and professionals seeking new labels, direct interaction with producers, and educational opportunities. The Québec City edition, held at the evocative Manège militaire Voltigeurs, provided an ideal setting to present the identity of Roero and the tradition of Italian deli meats to the local public.

SIP & SAVOR drew a steady stream of visitors, from casual enthusiasts to seasoned connoisseurs. The opportunity to taste Roero DOCG wines—featuring their main expressions, Roero Arneis and Roero Rosso—allowed many attendees to discover for the first time the distinctive qualities of this Piedmontese terroir: elegance, aromatic finesse, minerality, and a structure capable of delighting even the most discerning palates.

Complementing the wines, a selection of Italian deli meats completed the experience. These products, emblematic of European gastronomic tradition, convey history and craftsmanship through their aromas, flavors, and centuries-old production techniques. Public interest was immediate, with numerous questions on origin, production methods, and pairing possibilities—an unmistakable sign of growing curiosity for Europe’s culinary heritage.

A cornerstone of the Québec program was the masterclass, designed to deepen consumers’ understanding of European products. Moderated by Karyne Duplessis-Piché, one of Québec’s most authoritative voices in wine journalism, the session combined clear educational guidance with engaging storytelling.

Participants explored the Roero terroir in detail: sandy hills, the climate influenced by the nearby Langhe, the region’s agricultural history, and the winemaking techniques that make Roero Arneis and Roero Rosso DOCG unique. The tasting unfolded as a true sensory journey, guiding the audience to identify aromas, structure, acidity, and the wines’ aging potential.

The session was enriched by a presentation on Italian deli meats, highlighting their diversity and specificity. From the delicate sweetness of Mortadella Bologna IGP, to the savory depth of aged Prosciutto di San Daniele DOP, the spiced notes of Finocchiona IGP to the buttery softness of Lardo di Colonnata IGP, the presentation illustrated the richness of Italian gastronomy and its deep connection to the land.

Pairing wines and deli meats was the heart of the masterclass: a dialogue of European flavors demonstrating how diverse traditions can complement and enhance one another. Participants experienced firsthand how the freshness and minerality of Roero Arneis pair beautifully with lighter deli meats, while the structure of Roero Rosso accentuates the aromatic depth of more aged products.

Québec’s greatest strength during this stop was its ability to involve consumers directly. Unlike more technical or media-focused contexts, the RASPIPAV audience in Québec City participated authentically—asking questions, sharing impressions, and showing genuine interest in the world of wine and European products.

SIP & SAVOR successfully transformed this enthusiasm into a moment of cultural growth. This is the initiative’s true value: allowing participants not only to taste outstanding products but also to understand their history, origin, and European identity.

The Québec stop represents a key chapter in the North American journey of SIP & SAVOR. By combining free tastings, informal interactions, technical insights, and masterclasses, the program offered a comprehensive experience in which every visitor could find a personal connection to Europe and Italy.

Thanks to the presence of Roero producers and the excellence showcased by IVSI, attendees experienced firsthand how values such as authenticity, craftsmanship, and quality remain at the heart of Italian gastronomy.

In a context like Québec—attentive, cultured, and gastronomically curious—initiatives like this take on even deeper meaning, helping to build a lasting cultural bridge between Europe, Italy, and Canada.